National Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the need for transformative results and calls for collaboration among member states, organizations, and individuals to build a better future, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected women and girls.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will work closely with the UNFPA Advocacy & Communication Analyst and the joint UN Project Coordinator to develop a Municipal Youth Plan for Elbasan. This plan will incorporate the five pillars of the UN Youth Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (YPS) Agenda, translating its principles into actionable outcomes, outputs, activities, and indicators that reflect the needs of the youth in the community. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including local government entities and youth organizations, to ensure that the plan aligns with national priorities and the EU youth strategy. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive, costed Municipal Youth Plan ready for approval by the Municipal Council, reflecting the collaborative input from UNFPA, UNDP, and local stakeholders. The consultant will be expected to conceptualize the methodology for the plan's development, conduct necessary research, and facilitate consultations to gather insights and feedback throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conceptualizing the methodology for developing the Municipal Youth Plan.
• Consulting with the Municipality of Elbasan personnel and UNFPA/UNDP project staff to agree on the methodology.
• Conducting a desk review of relevant documents provided by UNFPA, UNDP, and the Municipality of Elbasan.
• Organizing and conducting focus groups and interviews with various stakeholders, as identified by UNFPA and the Municipality.
• Drafting the Municipal Youth Plan that incorporates the YPS Agenda and related resolutions, and circulating it for comments and suggestions to the Municipality, UNFPA, UNDP, and the National Agency for Youth.
• Reflecting the feedback received in the final draft of the plan.
• Submitting the final document to the Municipality of Elbasan and UNFPA/UNDP project staff. The consultant will work over a total of 10 working days between November and December 2025, with at least two required travels to Elbasan Municipality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences, political sciences, law, or related fields. They should have at least 5 years of professional experience in youth policy analysis, research, and development, particularly in costing the implementation of youth policies. Additionally, candidates should have experience supporting institutions, agencies, or civil society organizations in implementing the YPS agenda in Albania or the Western Balkan region. A strong understanding of EU accession requirements and priorities for youth, as well as experience in report writing and analysis, is essential. Familiarity with working alongside central and local government institutions and youth organizations is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in social sciences, political sciences, law, or any other relevant thematic area is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of youth policies and the socio-political landscape in which they operate.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in youth policy analysis, research, and development. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing support to various institutions and organizations in implementing the Youth Peace and Security agenda, particularly within the context of Albania or the broader Western Balkan region. Experience in working with local and central government entities focused on youth issues is also necessary.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Albanian at a professional level is mandatory for this position. This language requirement is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of documents and reports.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.